Quint Kessenich: What to Watch For in MLL Week 6

1. Attendance in Boston: The Cannons are expecting nearly 15,000 fans in Cambridge for their Saturday night tilt against the Long Island Lizards. That's about half of what the NCAA drew at Gillette.

2. "Goodfellas" defense placed in witness protection/relocation program somewhere in Anne Arundel County. Brian Spallina and Nicky Polanco now play for the Chesapeake Bayhawks. They will be challenged to cover Charlotte attackmen Billy Bitter and Matt Danowski. Meanwhile, the Hounds must defend the 2-point shot. Kyle Dixon and Co. are not hiding the fact that they love the 2-pt shot. Charlotte (1-4) needs to press out and defend the arc better with shorties Scott Larue and Mike Burns. They'll have to slide upfield quite a bit, and John Grant Jr. and Danny Glading could cash in big time.

3. Steele Stanwick remains missing in action. Ohio (1-3) coach Ted Garber indicated on Wednesday's league-wide conference call that Stanwick was recuperating from a "hernia" injury. The Machine have no passers on attack and want to build their franchise around the No. 2 overall draft pick. Many questions linger: When will Stanwick report? And what condition will his body be in? Is he built to take a pounding in the MLL? Is he willing to become the face of the franchise, playing and promoting the game in Ohio?

4. Rochester (2-2) is vastly improved and a legit playoff contender, although they only are shooting 22% and winning 42% of the face-offs. When Martin Cahill (0-24 shooting) figures it out they may be a "Steinfeld Cup" contender.

5. Speaking of Jake Steinfeld, I read his book "Take A Shot" on my trip to Denver last week. The book, co-written by Warrior founder Dave Morrow, details the entrepreneurial journey behind Major League Lacrosse. Jake tells funny stories about the original idea that led to the pro league, trying to find partners, sponsorship, soliciting quality ownership groups, struggles with the players and the success of the Summer Showcase. Having been involved with MLL since Day 1, the book brought back a decade of memories. What's most noteworthy are the life and business lessons that Jake sprinkles in along the way. He is a master motivator and after reading the book you will feel energized to pursue your biggest dreams.

6. With defender Kyle Rubisch not in the lineup until June 16, rookie defenders Chad Weidmaier and Matt Lovejoy will get an opportunity to solidify spots. After a slow start in 2011 and 2012, Hamilton (1-3) must play with a sense of urgency in a key head-to-head matchup with Rochester this weekend.

7. Boston (4-1) must clean up its slide decisions on defense. The Cannons are typically not going to help their poles and slide to shorties. Thats fine. But last week in a loss to Rochester they were all over the place, often leaving Kyle Sweeney on an island, then later sliding to Ned Crotty's eyes, and not sliding to key goals by Matt Streibel and the game-winner by Roy Lang who had a step on shorties. It's time to get organized.

8. The Outlaws' (2-2) attack is going to be super lethal with Brendan Mundorf, Mark Matthews and Jordan McBride. But the offensive question is whether or not their midfielders can draw slides. With Peet Poillon injured and on the pines for another week, Denver lacks a proven midfield initiator. Denver has excellent speed and quickness between the lines with rookies Colin Briggs and Drew Snider but don't have prime time 6 on 6 middies.

9. Long Island's youth movement is getting all sorts of hype. All of a sudden its roster is overflowing with rookies and second-year pros. Guys like Matt Gibson, Tom Palasek, Tim Henderson, Brian Karalunas and CJ Costabile have brought new life to the franchise. But I am not buying it quite yet. The Lizards (2-2) have wins over both expansion franchises thanks to face-off man Greg Gurenlian (62%). Show me you can beat an upper-tier squad.

10. The All-Star game on June 30 at Florida Atlantic University in Palm Beach County, Fla., is usually when fans can start to isolate MVP candidates. The early returns indicate that familiar faces are likely to garner the award in 2012. My front-runners right now are Paul Rabil (29pts), Kyle Dixon (7 2-pointers), Stephen Berger, Jordan Burke, Ned Crotty and Brodie Merrill.